In-form Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap still has plenty of room for improvement, says manager Kieran McKenna. 

The bustling England Under-21 international has hit the ground running following a £15m move from Manchester City, scoring four goals in seven games and proving a real handful for Premier League defenders. 

Already he is a third of the way to equalling the total of Championship goals he notched across two seasons when on loan at Stoke, Preston and Hull. 

Liam Delap has had a great start to life at TownLiam Delap has had a great start to life at Town (Image: PA) “Liam has had a very good start,” said McKenna.  

“He is a young striker who has had three loans in the Championship and he is still finding his way in the game. 

“His body has developed a lot over the last 12 months, which I think is important for a forward player playing in the physicality of the Premier League and even in the Championship. He is developing well. 

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“He hadn’t had a completely clear off-season as he had a (knee) injury in the second half of last season with Hull, so it took him a bit of time over pre-season. 

“I think the demands we place on players here are higher than they usually experience at other clubs, so it took him a little while to adapt to the intensity of training and intensity of our playing style. 

“But he has really committed himself well to that process and he is working very well with the staff. He’s a popular member of the group. 

“For 21 years of age, the start he has had in the Premier League is really promising. But it is a handful of games and he knows there is still a long road ahead of him and lots of things to still improve on. He has made some really good first strides though.” 

Delap, along with fellow Town attacker Omari Hutchinson, is currently away on international duty with England Under-21s.  

Ben Futcher’s team take on Ukraine, at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium, tomorrow night before facing Azerbaijan, at Bristol City’s Ashton Gate, next Tuesday. Both matches are EURO 2025 qualifiers ahead of next summer’s tournament in Slovakia.

Liam Delap's charging forward runs have had fans off their seats.Liam Delap's charging forward runs have had fans off their seats. (Image: Steve Waller)